Process to Safeguard against Waterborne Bacterial Pathogens

ABSTRACT

cleaning of the water supply system; acquiring data including at least water conditions at multiple points within the potable water supply system; a control system adjusting local water conditions within the potable water supply system; a bacteria monitor assessing water within the potable water system to determine at least levels of bacteria within the potable water system; and applying an antimicrobial condition to water within the potable water system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of treatment of water toremove antimicrobials in a system treatment facility and process. Theinvention also addresses treatment of highly treatment-resistantmicrobes, including Legionella pneumophila.

2. Background of the Art

The need for both regional, local and residential water storage hasincreased with growing potable water consumption and needs. As theinfrastructure ages, storage and transportation systems of this waterhave become more prone to contamination and the entire water system isvulnerable to localized and systemic infection by microbes. OSHAstandards presented below indicate that highly expensive materials, highenergy utilization (e.g., extensive heating), regular monitoring, andlabor-intensive methods are recommended for moderation and reasonablecontrol over the Legionnaire microbe and other water borne pathogenicmicroorganisms.

Chemical additives are often used to control populations ofmicroorganisms in potable and process water systems. Those chemicalstend to have limited ranges of effectiveness over the full spectrum ofwater-borne microbes and can, if improperly dosed, lead to moredrug-resistant strains of the microbes, a serious problem in its ownright. Some treatment regimens even suggest the disassembly of equipmentto physically treat individual components because chemical treatmentalone cannot insure proper microbe control.

Among the systems specifically identified in the OSHA Technical Manualare “Cooling Towers, Evaporative Condensers, and Fluid Coolers.”

The function of cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and fluidcoolers is to reject heat from system fluids through evaporation.Cooling towers are equipped with drift eliminators designed to limitdroplet release. However, most cooling towers produce water in thecooling tower sump that is in the ideal temperature range for Legionellagrowth, 20°-50° C. (68°-122° F.). Further, drift eliminators cannot be100% efficient at removing mists and droplets from escaping downwind andinto the breathing zones of persons within a zone of impact.

-   -   1. Inspection and Maintenance. Visual inspection and periodic        maintenance of the system are the best ways to control growth of        Legionella and related organisms. Good maintenance is necessary        both to control Legionella growth and for effective operation.        The system should be properly monitored and maintained to        prevent buildup of scale and sediment and bio-fouling, all of        which support Legionella growth and reduce operating efficiency.    -   2. Biocide. Unfortunately, measurements of water quality such as        total bacterial counts, total dissolved solids, and pH have not        proven to be good indicators of Legionella levels in cooling        towers. Periodic use of biocides is needed to ensure control of        Legionella growth.        -   a. Little information exists on the demonstrated            effectiveness of many commercial biocides for preventing            Legionella growth in actual operations. Recent Australian            studies indicate that Fentichlor [2,2′-thiobis            (4-chlorophenol)] used weekly for 4 hours at 200 ppm, or            bromo-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin (BCD) in a slow-release            cartridge at an initial concentration of 300 ppm are            effective in controlling the growth of Legionella. Towerbrom            60M™, a chlorotriazine and sodium bromide salt mixture, has            been reported to be effective when alternated with BCD for            control of Legionella in U.S. studies of Legionella            contamination of cooling towers. The Australian study also            indicates that quaternary ammonium compounds, widely used            for control of bio-fouling in cooling towers, are not            effective in controlling Legionella.        -   b. Traditional oxidizing agents such as chlorine and bromine            have been proven effective in controlling Legionella in            cooling towers. Continuous chlorination at low free residual            levels can be effective in controlling Legionella growth. It            is important, however, that the proper oxidant level be            established and maintained because free residual chlorine            above 1 ppm may be corrosive to metals in the system and may            damage wood used in cooling towers; free residual levels            below 1 ppm may not adequately control Legionella growth.            Chlorine also combines with organic substances in water to            form toxic by-products that are of environmental concern.            Frequent monitoring and control of pH is essential for            maintaining adequate levels of free residual chlorine. Above            a pH of 8.0, chlorine effectiveness is greatly reduced.            Proper control of pH will maintain the effectiveness of            chlorination and minimize corrosion. Legionella population            excursions often occur in cooling towers due to inattention,            failure to properly monitor either through neglect or other            human error.        -   c. Bromine is an effective oxidizing biocide. It is            frequently added as a bromide salt and generated by reaction            with chlorine. Bromine's effectiveness is less dependent            than chlorine on the pH of the water; it is less corrosive;            and it also produces less toxic environmental by-products.        -   d. The effectiveness of any water-treatment regimen depends            on the use of clean water. High concentrations of organic            matter and dissolved solids in the water will reduce the            effectiveness of any biocidal agent. Each sump should be            equipped with a “bleed,” and make-up water should be            supplied to reduce the concentration of dissolved solids.    -   3. Design        -   a. One of the most effective means of controlling the growth            of Legionella is to maintain sump water at a low            temperature. Sump-water temperatures depend on tower design,            heat load, flow rate, and ambient dry-bulb and wet-bulb            temperatures. Under ideal conditions, sump-water            temperatures in evaporative devices approach the ambient            wet-bulb temperature, and that may be low enough to limit            Legionella amplification. System design should recognize the            value of operating with low sump-water temperatures.        -   b. High-efficiency drift eliminators are essential for all            cooling towers. Older systems can usually be retrofitted            with high-efficiency models. A well-designed and well-fitted            drift eliminator can greatly reduce water loss and potential            for exposure. Other important design features include easy            access or easily disassembled components to allow cleaning            of internal components including the packing (fill).            Enclosure of the system will prevent unnecessary drift of            water vapor, and other design features to minimize the spray            generated by these systems are also desirable.    -   4. Frequency of Cleaning. Cooling towers should be cleaned and        disinfected at least twice a year. Normally this maintenance        will be performed before initial start-up at the beginning of        the cooling season and after shut-down in the fall. Systems with        heavy bio-fouling or high levels of Legionella may require        additional cleaning. Any system that has been out of service for        an extended period should be cleaned and disinfected. New        systems require cleaning and disinfecting because construction        material residue can contribute to Legionella growth.    -   5. Wisconsin Protocol. Acceptable cleaning procedures include        those described in the Wisconsin Protocol. This procedure calls        for an initial shock treatment with 50 ppm free residual (total)        chlorine, addition of detergent to disperse bio-fouling,        maintenance of 10 ppm chlorine for 24 hours, and a repeat of the        cycle until there is no visual evidence of biofilms. To prevent        exposure during cleaning and maintenance, wear proper personal        protective equipment: a Tyvek-type suit with a hood, protective        gloves, and a properly fitted respirator with a high-efficiency        particulate (HEPA) filter or a filter effective at removing        one-micron particles.    -   6. Recordkeeping. A description of the operating system (which        includes all components cooled by the system) and details of the        make-up water to the system should be available. Written        procedures for proper operation and maintenance of the system        should indicate the use of scale and corrosion inhibitors,        antifoaming agents, and biocides or chlorine use and should be        readily available. Log books should list dates of inspections        and cleanings, water-quality test results, and maintenance.

C. Domestic Hot-Water Systems

-   -   1. Background. Domestic hot-water systems are frequently linked        to Legionnaires' outbreaks. The term “domestic” applies to all        non-process water used for lavatories, showers, drinking        fountains, etc., in commercial, residential, and industrial        settings. Disease transmission from domestic hot water may be by        inhalation or aspiration of Legionella-contaminated aerosolized        water. Water heaters that are maintained below 60° C. (140° F.)        and contain scale and sediment tend to harbor the bacteria and        provide essential nutrients for commensal micro-organisms that        foster growth of L. pneumophila. Large water heaters like those        used in hospitals or industrial settings frequently contain cool        zones near the base where cold water enters and scale and        sediment accumulate. The temperature and sediment in these zones        can provide ideal conditions for amplification of the organism.        Dead legs (i.e., sections of piping or plumbing that have been        altered or capped such that water cannot flow through) and        non-recirculated plumbing lines that allow hot water to stagnate        also provide areas for growth of the organism.    -   2. Design. Water systems designed to recirculate water and        minimize dead legs will reduce stagnation. If potential for        scalding exists, appropriate, fail-safe scald-protection        equipment should be employed. For example, pressure-independent,        thermostatic mixing valves at delivery points can reduce        delivery temperatures. Point-of-use water heaters can eliminate        stagnation of hot water in infrequently used lines. Proper        insulation of hot-water lines and heat tracing of specific lines        can help maintain distribution and delivery temperatures.    -   3. Maintenance        -   a. To minimize the growth of Legionella in the system,            domestic hot water should be stored at a minimum of 60° C.            (140° F.) and delivered at a minimum of 50° C. (122° F.) to            all outlets. The hot-water tank should be drained            periodically to remove scale and sediment and cleaned with            chlorine solution if possible. The tank must be thoroughly            rinsed to remove excess chlorine before reuse.        -   b. Eliminate dead legs when possible, or install heat            tracing to maintain 50° C. (122° F.) in the lines. Rubber or            silicone gaskets provide nutrients for the bacteria, and            removing them will help control growth of the organism.            Frequent flushing of these lines should also reduce growth.        -   c. Domestic hot-water recirculation pumps should run            continuously. They should be excluded from energy            conservation measures.    -   4. Control        -   a. Raising the water-heater temperature can control or            eliminate Legionella growth. Pasteurize the hot water system            by raising the water-heater temperature to a minimum of            70° C. (158° F.) for 24 hours and then flushing each outlet            for 20 minutes. It is important to flush all taps with the            hot water because stagnant areas can “re-seed” the system.            Exercise caution to avoid serious burns from the high water            temperatures used in Pasteurization.        -   b. Periodic chlorination of the system at the tank to            produce 10 ppm free residual chlorine and flushing of all            taps until a distinct odor of chlorine is evident is another            means of control. In-line chlorinators can be installed in            the hot water line; however, chlorine is quite corrosive and            will shorten the service life of metal plumbing. Control of            the pH is extremely important to ensure that there is            adequate residual chlorine in the system.        -   c. Alternative means to control Legionella growth include            the use of metal ions such as copper or silver (which have a            biocidal effect) in solution. Ozonization injects ozone into            the water. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation also kills            microorganisms. Commercial, in-line UV systems are effective            and can be installed on incoming water lines or on            recirculating systems, but stagnant zones may diminish the            effectiveness of this treatment. Scale buildup on the UV            lamp surface can rapidly reduce light intensity and requires            frequent maintenance to ensure effective operation.

As can be seen, existing protocols and systems and materials are quiteexpensive. An improved process and system are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method includes performing an initial cleaning of the water storageand transportation system (WSTS), then installing a supervisory controland data acquisition smart water management system into the WSTS. Themanagement system must have at least functional capabilities ofmeasurement and control of local water conditions including pressure,temperature, pH (and even conductivity), and control systems formanaging pressure, temperature and pH. Human machine interface softwaremay be used and should be combined with a bacteria monitor.

The method may be generally described as a method for mitigating microbebuildup within a water storage system and/or water transportation systemin potable water supply systems. The method may include:

-   -   a) performing an initial cleaning of the water storage system        and/or transportation system;    -   b) implementing supervisory control and data acquisition on        water stored and/or transported within the potable water supply        systems the data acquisition including at least water conditions        at multiple points within the potable water supply system;    -   c) the control system adjusts local water conditions within the        potable water supply system;    -   d) a bacteria monitor assesses water within the potable water        system to determine at least levels of bacteria within the        potable water system; and    -   e) apply an antimicrobial condition to water within the potable        water system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of equipment that may be used to enablepractice of the invention.

FIG. 2 provides a flow sheet displaying progression of a processaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An integrated system is used to implement a method for addressingmicrobe buildup within water storage and water transportation system inboth large scale and small-scale water systems. The method includesperforming an initial cleaning of the water storage and transportationsystem (WSTS), then installing a supervisory control and dataacquisition smart water management system into the WSTS. The managementsystem must have at least functional capabilities of measurement andcontrol of local water conditions including pressure, temperature, pH(and even conductivity), and control systems for managing pressure,temperature and pH. Human machine interface software may be used andshould be combined with a bacteria monitor.

The method may be described generally as a method for mitigating microbebuildup within a water storage system and/or water transportation systemin potable water supply systems. As is understood in the commercial andresidential treatment of water for certain microbes, especiallylegionella, mediation, mitigation and control of bacteria withinstandards acceptable to health standards is an acceptable goal. Completeelimination of all bacteria, and especially the more difficult andcomplex-to-treat microbes, is not a realistic goal. The method mayinclude:

-   -   a) performing an initial cleaning of the water storage system        and/or transportation system. Cleaning and disinfection can be        achieved using any or a combination of several techniques. The        selection of an approach will depend on the age of the system,        the potential for biofilm formation or mineral deposition on the        internal surfaces of the pipes, the materials of construction of        the piping system and the requirements of the guiding protocol        being adopted. The most commonly used method includes the use of        chlorine, typically in the form of sodium hypochlorite, to        “shock” the system with residual chlorine at 50 ppm or greater        concentrations. Hot water systems can be easily disinfected        thermally by increasing the temperature of the water above the        pasteurization temperature and maintaining that temperature for        a prescribed period. It is possible to cross connect the hot and        cold-water systems to allow thermal disinfection of both        systems. For older water systems with significant mineral        deposition on the internal pipe surfaces, it may be necessary to        flush the system with defouling chemicals or mild acids to        demineralize the system to improve the effectiveness of chemical        or other disinfection technique. Whichever technique is selected        must demonstrate the ability to penetrate and eliminate biofilm,        particularly with regard to Legionella disinfection, due to        Legionella's ability to imbed in biofilms to escape contact with        disinfection chemicals.    -   b) implementing supervisory control—Many water systems become        contaminated when the conditions in the water system become        conducive for microbial growth. These conditions often occur due        to human error, either through disregard, lack of information,        forgetfulness or neglect. These root contributing causes can be        mitigated through the installation of a properly designed        Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Sensors        for water temperature, flow rate, pH, oxidation/reduction        potential, pressure, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, level        control, turbidity, valve positions, amperage for pumps, UV and        other mission critical electrical sub-systems, and direct        bacteria population counts. The sensors would be installed        throughout both potable and non-potable water systems as well as        subsystems that service and supply decorative fountains, cooling        towers, evaporation ponds or other areas where water could        become microbially active and/or where water could be        aerosolized.        -   The sensors could be directly coupled with control            mechanisms that would automatically initiate corrective            action, or send information to a PLC, Remote Terminal Unit            or central computer, which would then implement corrective            action based on a programmed algorithm. Installation of            sensors may be installed at or near the interface between            the facility's water system and the public supply to insure            water provided by the water authority met expected values            for purity and disinfection. Sensors would also be installed            at each cooling tower sump and make-up water to measure flow            rates and insure sufficient make up water is introduced and            biocides are added as prescribed by the algorithm or as            dictated by the control requirements. Sensors would be            installed at various appropriate locations distributed            throughout the potable water system, such as in the            mechanical room of each floor of a large building, to insure            that the important water control parameters remain in the            target range from the source to the distribution points.        -   Sensor measurements from the entirety of sensors would be            transferred to the SCADA and recorded in a data historian.            When or if any sensor measured and recorded a value outside            the prescribed range, an alarm condition would be initiated            and the system would provide a visible and/or audible signal            that would display from a control station and/or at remote            locations, such as the office computer screens of            responsible personnel and at the Human Machine Interface            (HMI) in the central control location. Depending on the            alarm condition and the design of the system, a response may            be implemented from the HMI, or by a pre-programmed            algorithm or may require physical presence of a person at            the alarm location. For example, a low temperature alarm in            the hot water system may be rectified by the SCADA directing            an increase in the temperature set-point. However, the same            alarm may indicate a failed heating element, requiring human            interaction. In either case, the SCADA would measure the            system condition continuously and notify responsible persons            to repair or mitigate the alarm condition, meaning that            potential problems must be addressed in a timely and            thorough manner.    -   c) the control system adjusts local water conditions within the        potable water supply system. The critical parameters for a water        system relative to conditions that favor microbial growth are        pH, and temperature. Unfortunately, the pH of potable water        should remain in a range that is favorable to microbial growth.        However, non-potable water, such as the water that is used to        dissipate heat in cooling towers, can be maintained at a pH        level that inhibits bacterial growth. Control of the pH must be        maintained in a narrow range, however, to avoid mineral        deposition or excessive corrosion of cooling tower piping and        components. The pH can be monitored continuously and controlled        remotely on a continuous basis or controlled from the        PLC/computer as the situation and facility prefer. Temperature        sensors will monitor water, ambient and room temperatures        continuously and can automatically adjust thermostats as needed        to maintain both cold and hot potable water supplies within the        target ranges. It is also possible to program the system to        alarm and notify responsible persons when a temperature reaches        a predetermined trigger point. However, this diminishes the        value of the SCADA and reduces the effectiveness and redundancy        of the invention.    -   d) a bacteria monitor assesses water within the potable water        system to determine at least levels of bacteria within the        potable water system; and The current state-of-the-art equipment        for “real-time” measurement of bacteria include the ability to        distinguish between living and dead bacterial cells and to        distinguish between bacteria and inert particulate matter in the        bacterial size range. The current systems would monitor bacteria        (live and dead) at multiple locations in the potable and        non-potable water systems. The most likely locations include,        the interface between the facility water systems and the public        water supply, water storage tanks and vessels, cooling tower        sumps and distributed locations throughout the system, such as        on each floor in the mechanical room. One option is to place        sampling taps just downstream of every check valve in the        system.        -   It would be possible to monitor from several locations using            a single instrument, with a properly designed remote            sampling system. Once the number of sampling points            increased to a certain point, multiple analytical            instruments would be required. In any case, when a bacterial            count is measured that exceeded a predetermined value, the            SCADA system would initiate an alarm condition, providing            audible and/or visual signals to responsible parties. The            SCADA could be programed to close some or all the water            supply valves or simply provide an alarm. The automated            response could be staged to respond with different action            depending the magnitude of the measured bacterial count. The            SCADA could also be programed to initiate a response after a            single measurement that exceeded the target value or to            require two or more exceedances prior to alarm or            independent action. In some situations, such as non-potable            water sources, the SCADA could also initiate action to dose            the system with biocides and continue to monitor bacteria            populations until safe concentrations are reestablished.        -   The bacteria monitor should be able to achieve a detection            limit to enable direct comparison to applicable standards            and action levels for total bacterial count. For example,            the Texas Department of State Health Services has provided            guidelines for hospitals to detect and prevent the spread of            nosocomial infection due to Legionella. The European Working            Group for Legionella Infections(EWGLI) was established in            1986 within the European Union framework to share knowledge            and experience about potential sources of Legionella and            their control. This group has published guidelines about the            actions to be taken to limit the number of colony-forming            units (i.e., the “aerobic count”) of micro-organisms per mL            at 30° C. (minimum 48 hours incubation):

Aerobic Count Legionella Action Required 10,000 or less 1,000 or lessSystem Under Control more than more than Review program operation. Thecount 10,000 1,000 should be confirmedby immediate re- up to 100,000 upto 10,000 sampling. If a similar count is found again, areview of thecontrol measures and risk assessment shouldbe carried out to identifyany remedial actions. more than more than Implement corrective action.The system 100,000 10,000 should immediatelybe re-sampled. It shouldthen be ‘shot dosed’ with an appropriate biocide, as a precaution. Therisk assessment and control measures should be reviewed to identifyremedial actions.

-   -   e) apply an antimicrobial condition to water within the potable        water system. For non-potable water systems, the SCADA could        provide preemptive control of biocide addition and insure        antimicrobial conditions were maintained continuously. Biocide        and/or non-GRAS chemical addition to potable sources is not        allowed, so non-chemical means must be used to maintain        conditions prohibitive to microbial activity. The most likely        technology to use in the potable water system is Ultra-Violet        irradiation of the water as it passes through the piping system.        To insure the most effective bacterial kill, UV systems would be        installed just downstream of the interface between the public        water supply and the facility system, most likely just        downstream of the check valves. The first UV system would treat        all water entering the potable water system. Additional, smaller        UV systems would be installed at distributed locations, such as        on each floor of a facility. The second stage UV systems would        insure maximum treatment of the water just prior to the point of        use.

Other technologies capable of achieving a high kill rate for microbeswould be suitable for this application, providing the technologies donot create water that does not meet potable water standards. TheBioLargo AOS technology is one suitable option but would require removalof iodine to avoid taste issues. Another technology now underdevelopment is Low-Voltage Coaxial-electrode ElectroporationDisinfection, wherein copper ions are electrochemically introduced atvery low concentration into the water stream, creating antimicrobialconditions and achieving 6 log kill rates of subject bacteria. In anycase, the biocidal treatment should be able to demonstrably reduce totalbacteria and specifically Legionella and other infectious bacteria tobelow the applicable action levels, such as those listed in the tableabove.

There are a number of different types and models of continuous or batchbacteria monitors that can be used with the present technology.Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing, an indirect indicator method thatmonitors bacteria via bioluminescence. Ultrasnap™ or Aquasnap™ testingdevice, light is emitted in direct proportion to the number of bacteriapresent. GRUNDFOS BACMON™ is a fully automated bacteria monitoringsolution. BACMON™ can monitor microbiological parameters in your watercontinuously, with automated batch sampling technology deliveringresults in minutes without adding chemicals. These online bacteriamonitors can provide fully automated near real-time, on-site results,freedom from interactive calibration without the need for chemicalanalytical stains or dyes.

Metanor™ produces another example of an on-line, rapid response bacteriaanalyzer. Their system provides 24 hour per day coverage and can operatefor extended periods without human intervention. The system useshydrodynamic focusing of the bacterial laden sample combined with laserrefractometry.

The present technology provides a process having a five-pronged approachto monitoring and control of Legionella and other water borne pathogenicbacteria. Technologies are emerging that make this approach possible,whereas just a few months ago, the approach was infeasible. The fivesteps include:

-   -   1. Produce an ANSI/ASHRAE 188 Compliant/Medicare S&C 17-30        Compliant Water Management Program—recent regulatory,        governmental and institutional guidance has mandated that        healthcare facilities have a compliant water management program        in place.    -   2. Conduct a disinfection of all water supply lines and tanks in        the potable water supply for the subject facility, using methods        consistent with statutory requirements and the current state of        the art techniques. It is possible that a system disinfection        may have been conducted externally prior to or separate from        this invention.    -   3. Design and install a (Supervisory Control and Data        Acquisition) SCADA Smart Water Management system. The Smart        Water Management System (SWMS) would incorporate temperature,        pressure, conductivity, pH, and other parameters pertinent to        controlling bacterial growth and which can be measured using        remote sensors. The SWMS would collect, process and interface        with responsible personnel through HMI stations strategically        located in the facility. The SWMS would also remotely control        pH, conductivity and biocide dosing for non-potable waters, such        as cooling towers, fountains, and pools.    -   4. The SWMS would incorporate at least one real-time bacteria        monitor. Such instruments have recently become commercially        available and are generally based on light scattering from        interaction with bacteria. The real-time bacteria monitor can be        installed at the outlet of the facility potable water storage        tank or installed to take periodic samples from multiple        locations throughout the facility including, but not limited to,        the storage tank inlet and outlet as well as sampling points on        individual floors or areas served by the water system. Multiple        instruments could be used, or multiple locations manifolded into        a single instrument, or a combination of the two strategies as        dictated by site specific requirements and/or programmatic        goals.    -   5. The final feature of the invention will be the use of        distributed secondary water disinfection treatment. Potable        water is supplied from the municipality or water company that is        safe to consume, but not necessarily completely free of        bacteria. Bacteria can reproduce when water temperatures are in        the favorable range and when an energy source becomes available.        There is generally no further treatment of the water once it        reaches a facility. In this invention, secondary water treatment        would be installed at the outlet of the main potable water tank,        (or directly in-line for systems with no storage tank installed)        with additional treatment units installed on each floor, or        other geometrically separate locations near the point of release        for consumption. The most likely technology for this purpose        will be appropriately sized ultra-violet light units. However,        other treatment technologies could be used including the        BioLargo AOS technology. The secondary treatment step is not        limited to a particular technology but should be able to achieve        suitable bacterial kill rates. UV is anticipated to achieve a        Log 4 (99.99%) kill rate. Targeted kill rates will be program        and site specific but are expected to be in the Log 4 range.

Problems the Invention Addresses:

Incidents of Legionnaires disease are being reported with increasingfrequency. According to the CDC, “a total of 2,809 confirmedLegionnaires' disease cases were reported across the United States in2015, including 85 (3%) definite and 468 (17%) possiblehealthcare-associated cases. It is thought that 3% is just the tip ofthe iceberg; the number is probably much higher, and closer to one infive.” Also, “according to the CDC, about 5,000 people are diagnosed ashaving Legionnaires' disease annually, and the number has increased inrecent years. There are at least 20 outbreaks reported each year.Legionnaires' disease is a widespread problem across the country, and in1 year it costs insurers $144 million in hospital claims, with a totalcost per patient of approximately $38,000.” Source:http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2017/06/cdc-most-healthcare-acquired-legionnaires-cases-could-be-prevented.

Interaction of Steps to Create the Invention Environment:

Each of the individual steps of the invention have some value in eithermonitoring or controlling the population of Legionella and otherpathogenic bacteria in water systems. However, no programmatic approachhas existed that combines each of the described steps into an integratedapproach that would monitor the multiple parameters than impactbacterial populations, control those parameters to minimize bacterialpopulations, monitor bacterial populations directly and provide on-siteeffective secondary water treatment to essentially eliminate water bornedisease in health care settings. Implementing all the steps of theInvention will insure that Legionella and other water borne pathogenicbacteria are destroyed and healthcare facility acquired infections fromcontaminated water, and their associated cost in money, resources andhuman suffering are all but eliminated.

Implementation of any portion of the invention would be helpful, butwould leave a gap in coverage, making Legionella infections possible.Only through complete and thorough implementation can the probability ofinfection be reduced to inconsequential levels.

Some potable water systems are independent of direct state, county ormunicipal involvement. For example, a potable water system in a cruiseship includes at least a water storage tank, pressure controls, wateroutlets in kitchens, lavatories, drinking fountains and swimming pools(even though the last is not strictly potable, but can be incidentallyimbibed). As an initial step in the periodic system treatments, atregular intervals (such as between each cruise), a high-intensityoverkill is used, as with high halogen content, high hydrogen peroxide,high chlorine (or other chemistry to which bacteria cannot developchemical resistance) concentrations are used, following or in advance ofthe chemical treatment. In defined areas, initial high intensityexposure to ultraviolet radiation (or other radiation such as alphaparticles or other antimicrobial radiation) is provided with smallmechanical/electrical components that can be transported in water flowthrough the system. After this initial treatment, sensors located in thetank, at an entry pipe to the kitchen, at the main access to residential(cabin) water supply, and in the water circulation for the pool aremonitored for presence of specific bacteria or virus, in this caselegionella is sensed for concentration of the organism (and samplestaken to test for specific strains). Where excessive concentrations areidentified at a specific position, additional high concentration or highenergy specific area treatment is provided.

After this initial and follow-up treatment, a filtration system havingiodine-activated carbon filter layers having an electric current passedthrough the filters. This system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.8,679,515 and 10,051,866 (Code) (Code) and Published US Patent Documents2017/0362104 ELECTROCHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION CELLS; 2017/0065905ANTIMICROBIAL SOLUTIONS AND METHODS; and 2017/0029298 ELECTROCHEMICALDECONTAMINATION CELLS. These systems are run at least during high volumeperiods of water use, with individual units positioned along internalflow paths for the respective positions. All citations and patentmaterials cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

The current invention would be applied in the same order as withland-based systems. However, additional or different documentation maybe required by a governing or oversight agency. Marine potable watersystems may be regulated under the jurisdiction of any or severalorganizations including the World Health Organization, United StatesCoast Guard, World Maritime Organization, United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency, and the Maritime Labour Convention. Therefore, stepone of the invention process will be to prepare the necessary plans anddocumentation to meet the applicable regulations, guidance andstandards. For example, the MLC 2006 requires formulating a Fresh WaterSafety Plan (FWSP), which would take the place of, or supplement theANSI/ASHRAE 188 compliant plan.

Step 2 of the process should be routinely performed for shipboard watersystems. Performance of the sanitation step would be confirmed anddocumented prior to implementing the rest of the invention process.

Step 3, the installation of a SCADA system on-board ship could imposeunique challenges related to the design and configuration of a systemthat would be compatible with existing ship monitoring and controlsystems. The water system SCADA should operate in conjunction with andin some cases, in parallel to existing electronic systems. For shipboardservice, the SCADA system would include special features to monitorswimming pools, spas, deck showers and water fountains in addition topotable water sources. The monitoring system may include specialized anddedicated analytical instruments to measure residual chlorineconcentrations in the public water sources or monitor specific anionconcentrations for unique chemical biocides on a case by case basis. TheSWMS could function completely independently from the existingelectronic systems or act as an subordinate system, supplying data andserving as a backup data historian.

Under Step 4, the SWMS would incorporate at least one real-time bacteriamonitor. It would be recommended for certain shipboard applications,such as cruise ships, that separate bacteria monitors be used forpotable and non-potable water systems to avoid cross contamination andease calibration range issues related to two different water qualitystandards.

In Step 5 of the invention, distributed secondary potable watertreatment units could be installed at each deck of the ship, withseparate treatment units installed for each galley and food servicearea. As is the case with land-based systems, any of severaltechnologies could be used to conduct the treatment. However, UV systemsare the most cost effective and offer ease of installation and use.

A more typical example of implementing the invention will be for use ina health care setting such as a medium to large scale hospital. Modernhospitals often have multiple buildings, each with specific purposes andeach with specific water quality requirements. Additionally, within eachstructure, different areas focused on different missions may requiredifferent water quality levels. This invention would not interfere withtertiary water treatment units that provide water to areas requiringspecial grades of water (i.e. laboratories, operating rooms, cleanrooms, infectious disease and isolation wards). The five-step inventionwould be implemented as previously described, beginning with anANSI/ASHRAE 188 Compliant/Medicare S&C 17-30 Compliant Water ManagementProgram Document. The document would address all water systems, bothpotable and non-potable, with sections providing specific instructionsand prescribing procedures to execute disinfection of all water systemsincluding high-grade requirements in dedicated areas of the hospitalcampus.

Another example of a facility type that could benefit from the inventionis hotel, motel, lodge or inn. The first recognized outbreak ofLegionnaire's disease was documented at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel inPhiladelphia, Pa. in the summer of 1976. Legionella bacteria was foundin high concentrations in the cooling tower water of the hotel's airconditioning system, which then spread through the building.Retrospective diagnostic studies have identified likely outbreaks thatoccurred as early as 1959 in Pontiac, Mich. and at St. Elizabeth'sHospital in Washington, D.C. in 1965. The five-step invention could beimplemented in the normal fashion with such additions as necessary tocomply with local, state and Federal requirements for documentation andinitial disinfection of existing water plumbing systems.

Another example is to install the invention in amusement parks and themeparks. In 2017, 22 cases of Legionnarie's disease were identified atDisneyland theme park in Anaheim, Calif. The source of the bacteria wastraced to cooling towers that had not been effectively disinfected anddosed with biocide. Implementing the five-step invention would haveidentified the lack of biocide and the presence of high concentrationsof bacteria in the cooling tower water long before the situation becameinfectious. The five-step invention would be implemented across theentire park, on both potable and non-potable water systems. Depending onthe size and scale of the facility, multiple independently operatingSWMS subsystems may be required. The multiple SWMS systems can operateas fully independent units or provide communication to and from acentral control unit. The central unit may act solely as a dataacquisition unit or provide command and control of the sub-systemsacross the entire site.

Another example of a facility type that would benefit from the inventionis long-term care facilities, (i.e. nursing homes, veterans' homes orrehabilitation facilities). These facilities would implement the entirefive-step program as originally envisioned, including theASHRAE/Medicare compliant water management program. Such facilitieshouse and provide care for a demographic that is, due to age, diseasecompromised immune systems or immune systems subdued through drugtherapy, highly susceptible to Legionella infections and are lesscapable of fighting the infection after it manifests. In 2005, 127 casesof Legionella pneumophila were diagnosed at the Seven Oaks Home for theAged in Toronto, Canada. Of the 127 cases, there were 21 fatalities. In2015 a veterans home in Quincy, Ill. recorded a Legionella outbreakaffecting 58 residents with 13 fatalities. Such facilities couldimplement the invention as described with distributed water disinfectionat every floor or section of the facility.

Legionella outbreaks are not restricted to health care facilities andhotels. Multiple documented outbreaks have occurred in factories andpublic buildings. Sources of the infectious bacteria was most often acooling tower that was part of an air conditioning system. However,evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, can be an effectivemeans of producing water droplets and introducing them into thebreathing zones of people. If the water in the evaporative cooler iscontaminated or allowed to develop into a bacteria friendly environment,the device will introduce infectious concentrations of Legionella intothe breathing air. Neither factories nor public buildings would requirethe first step of the invention, that is providing a written plan orprogram design for water safety. However, such a plan or document wouldbe helpful in mitigating impacts and executing the other four steps ofthe invention. The remaining four steps would be implemented asdescribed.

Another example of a type of source that would benefit from theinvention is public fountains, hot tubs and spas. There have beenseveral documented cases of Legionella outbreaks due to bacteria ladenwaters in fountains. Eleven cases were documented in an outbreak inVizela, Portugal from a decorative fountain in 2000. A hot tub was thesource of an outbreak in the Netherlands in 1999 that caused 318 casesof Legionella with 32 fatalities. A decorative fountain in the lobby ofthe JW Marriott in Chicago, Ill. caused 10 documented cases in 2012.Implementation of the invention for these types of systems would requireless complex SCADA systems and reduced numbers of distributeddisinfection units, but the invention would be applied in the samesequence and with all the prescribed physical equipment in use.

Another example, related in size and general arrangement as large healthcare facilities but with less complexity, is residential apartmentbuildings or condominiums where the water is supplied through a buildingwide distribution network that originates from a common public waterutility. The invention would be implemented in the same fashion, exceptthe required water safety program would be modified to meet local orsite specific requirements for documentation, which may or not beconsistent with the aforementioned ASHRAE standards. In the case of alarge apartment building the SCADA system would notify the buildingsuperintendent or building owner. It would possible to tie the SCADAinformation into a system provided to the chairperson of the owner's orrenter's association to insure the building management has appropriateoversight by interested stakeholders.

The method of the present technology may be further described as amethod for mitigating microbe buildup within a water storage systemand/or water transportation system in potable water supply systems, themethod including:

-   -   a) performing an initial cleaning of the water storage system        and/or transportation system,    -   b) implement supervisory control and data acquisition on water        stored and/or transported within the potable water supply        systems the data acquisition including at least water conditions        at multiple points within the potable water supply system,    -   c) the control system adjusts local water conditions within the        potable water supply system;    -   d) a bacteria monitor assesses water within the potable water        system to determine at least levels of bacteria within the        potable water system; and    -   e) apply an antimicrobial condition to water within the potable        water system.

The applying an antimicrobial condition may be selected from the groupconsisting of ultraviolet radiation exposure, infrared radiationexposure, electrical current exposure and iodine-activated porous carbonwith electrical current applied thereto.

Reference to the Figures will further assist in an appreciation of thepresent inventive technology.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of equipment 100 that may be used to enablepractice of the invention in a partially closed system. The equipment100 is shown with a primary originating water source 102 incommunication through outflow tubing or pipes 108 to various uses andtreatments. At least one main pump 120 will support pressure throughoutthe equipment 100 through the outflow pipes 108. In this equipment,three different specific uses are disclosed, direct human consumptionand overflow water (sinks, drinking fountains, showers, temperaturecontrol misting, etc.) 110, functional water usage (surface cleaningdevices, dishwashers, clothes washers, power sprays, etc.) 112 and majorwaste treatment operations (toilets, urinals, medical wastecollection/disposal, etc.) 114. The last specific use will likely bediscarded completely through vent tube 116 c into a waste collectionarea 124. It may be treated and recycled in the equipment 100, but thisis likely to be too costly and stressful on any fully closed system, aswell as being cost ineffective. Used water flow from the first twosystems 110 and 112 are carried through respective vent tubes 116 a and116 b into their own distinct and compatible initial water treatmentcomponents 117 a and 117 b designed to treat the specific content of theeffluents from the respective systems. Effluent from these tworespective water treatment components 117 a and 117 b then go into amore generic and universal water treatment area 126 which may includechemical, thermal and irradiation treatment components (not shown).Effluent from this universal water treatment area 126 is then forced bya pump 120 a into return pipes 118. These return pipes 118 carry thewater that has been treated multiple time into a final treatment area122, where final treatment identified as needed can be performed fromamong the various treatments identified above, This finally treatedwater is then reintroduced to the original water source 102. The finaltreatment may also be the addition of specific chemical treatmentcomponents that will be flushed through the entire equipment 100 for amassive system treatment.

At various internal positions 104 to individual components and systemsidentified above and internal to tubes, pipes and carrying media (e.g.,108 and 118) 106 are sensors for detecting microbial content or activityto enable design of local and generic treatments for the equipment.These sensors can transmit (by hardwire or preferably WiFi or non-wiredtransmission) the sensed data to a central processor 130. This centralprocessor can determine from the received data the individual area,point or regional needs for treatment of the water moving through theequipment and direct by retransmission to the individual equipment inthe regions, points and areas exactly what changes must be made in thetreatments. The signals could direct changes in temperature, irradiationlevels, chemical input flow, pH changes, flow rates and even a shutdownfor emergency high level systemic treatment.

FIG. 2 provides a flow sheet displaying progression of a processaccording to the present invention.

The initial cleaning may include a cycle of an initial antimicrobialchemical shock treatment, subsequent addition of a detergent,maintenance of at least 5 ppm of the antimicrobial chemical, andrepeating the cycle until there is no visual evidence of a biofilm inthe water storage system and/or transportation system, or the initialcleaning may include a cycle of an initial shock treatment with >40 ppmfree residual chlorine, addition of detergent to disperse bio-fouling,maintenance of at least 10 ppm chlorine for 24 hours, and at least onerepeat of the cycle until there is no visual evidence of biofilms in thewater storage system and/or transportation system. The control systemmay adjust local water conditions within the potable water supply systemto conditions of pH and temperature that do not favor microbial growth.

In the method, after the bacteria monitor assesses water within thepotable water system to determine at least levels of bacteria within thepotable water system, an antimicrobial condition is applied to waterwithin the potable water system to reduce the at least level of bacteriawithin the potable water system to a level generally safe for humanconsumption.

The method of applying of antimicrobial conditions to water within thepotable water system (which is described in pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/233,693, filed 10 Aug. 2017 titledODOR-REDUCTION SYSTEM AND MATERIALS, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety) comprises method of generating reductive and/oroxidative chemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the waterwithin the potable water system to disinfect and remove contaminationcomprising:

-   -   f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous        carbon support layer and a silicate/glass wool layer;    -   g) passing an electric current through the filter material;    -   h) passing a fluid stream containing elemental halogens and/or        halide salts through the filter material, distributing halogens        or halides within the filter material;    -   i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the        filter material in the presence of the electric current; and    -   j) adsorbing contaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter        material disinfecting or removing the contaminants.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for mitigating microbe buildup within awater storage system and/or water transportation system in potable watersupply systems, the method including: a) performing an initial cleaningof the water storage system and/or transportation system, b) implementsupervisory control and data acquisition on water stored and/ortransported within the potable water supply systems the data acquisitionincluding at least water conditions at multiple points within thepotable water supply system, c) the control system adjusts local waterconditions within the potable water supply system; d) a bacteria monitorassesses water within the potable water system to determine at leastlevels of bacteria within the potable water system; and e) apply anantimicrobial condition to water within the potable water system.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein applying an antimicrobial condition isselected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation exposure,infrared radiation exposure, electrical current exposure andiodine-activated porous carbon with electrical current applied thereto.3. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial cleaning comprises a cycleof an initial antimicrobial chemical shock treatment, subsequentaddition of a detergent, maintenance of at least 5 ppm of theantimicrobial chemical, and repeating the cycle until there is no visualevidence of a biofilm in the water storage system and/or transportationsystem.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial cleaning comprisesa cycle of an initial shock treatment with >40 ppm free residualchlorine, addition of detergent to disperse bio-fouling, maintenance ofat least 10 ppm chlorine for 24 hours, and at least one repeat of thecycle until there is no visual evidence of biofilms in the water storagesystem and/or transportation system.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe control system adjusts local water conditions within the potablewater supply system to conditions of pH and temperature that do notfavor microbial growth.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein the controlsystem adjusts local water conditions within the potable water supplysystem to conditions of pH and temperature that do not favor microbialgrowth.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein the control system adjustslocal water conditions within the potable water supply system toconditions of pH and temperature that do not favor microbial growth. 8.The method of claim 3 wherein after the bacteria monitor assesses waterwithin the potable water system to determine at least levels of bacteriawithin the potable water system, an antimicrobial condition is appliedto water within the potable water system to reduce the at least level ofbacteria within the potable water system to a level generally safe forhuman consumption.
 9. The method of claim 4 wherein after the bacteriamonitor assesses water within the potable water system to determine atleast levels of bacteria within the potable water system, anantimicrobial condition is applied to water within the potable watersystem to reduce the at least level of bacteria within the potable watersystem to a level generally safe for human consumption.
 10. The methodof claim 5 wherein after the bacteria monitor assesses water within thepotable water system to determine at least levels of bacteria within thepotable water system, an antimicrobial condition is applied to waterwithin the potable water system to reduce the at least level of bacteriawithin the potable water system to a level generally safe for humanconsumption.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein after the bacteriamonitor assesses water within the potable water system to determine atleast levels of bacteria within the potable water system, anantimicrobial condition is applied to water within the potable watersystem to reduce the at least level of bacteria within the potable watersystem to a level generally safe for human consumption.
 12. The methodof claim 1 wherein the applying of antimicrobial conditions to waterwithin the potable water system comprises method of generating reductiveand/or oxidative chemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of thewater within the potable water system to disinfect and removecontamination comprising: i. providing a filter material comprising atleast one a porous carbon support layer and a silicate/glass wool layer;ii. passing an electric current through the filter material; iii.passing a fluid stream containing elemental halogens and/or halide saltsthrough the filter material, distributing halogens or halides within thefilter material; iv. directing a contaminated fluid mass into contactwith the filter material in the presence of the electric current; and v.adsorbing contaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter materialdisinfecting or removing the contaminants.
 13. The method of claim 4wherein the applying of antimicrobial conditions to water within thepotable water system comprises method of generating reductive and/oroxidative chemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the waterwithin the potable water system to disinfect and remove contaminationcomprising: f) providing a filter material comprising at least one aporous carbon support layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passingan electric current through the filter material; h) passing a fluidstream containing elemental halogens and/or halide salts through thefilter material, distributing halogens or halides within the filtermaterial; i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with thefilter material in the presence of the electric current; and j)adsorbing contaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter materialdisinfecting or removing the contaminants.
 14. The method of claim 7wherein the applying of antimicrobial conditions to water within thepotable water system comprises method of generating reductive and/oroxidative chemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the waterwithin the potable water system to disinfect and remove contaminationcomprising: f) providing a filter material comprising at least one aporous carbon support layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passingan electric current through the filter material; h) passing a fluidstream containing elemental halogens and/or halide salts through thefilter material, distributing halogens or halides within the filtermaterial; i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with thefilter material in the presence of the electric current; and adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein theapplying of antimicrobial conditions to water within the potable watersystem comprises method of generating reductive and/or oxidativechemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the water within thepotable water system to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous carbonsupport layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passing an electriccurrent through the filter material; h) passing a fluid streamcontaining elemental halogens and/or halide salts through the filtermaterial, distributing halogens or halides within the filter material;i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the filtermaterial in the presence of the electric current; and j) adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein theapplying of antimicrobial conditions to water within the potable watersystem comprises method of generating reductive and/or oxidativechemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the water within thepotable water system to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous carbonsupport layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passing an electriccurrent through the filter material; h) passing a fluid streamcontaining elemental halogens and/or halide salts through the filtermaterial, distributing halogens or halides within the filter material;i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the filtermaterial in the presence of the electric current; and i) adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein theapplying of antimicrobial conditions to water within the potable watersystem comprises method of generating reductive and/or oxidativechemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the water within thepotable water system to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous carbonsupport layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passing an electriccurrent through the filter material; h) passing a fluid streamcontaining elemental halogens and/or halide salts through the filtermaterial, distributing halogens or halides within the filter material;i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the filtermaterial in the presence of the electric current; and j) adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein theapplying of antimicrobial conditions to water within the potable watersystem comprises method of generating reductive and/or oxidativechemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the water within thepotable water system to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous carbonsupport layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passing an electriccurrent through the filter material; h) passing a fluid streamcontaining elemental halogens and/or halide salts through the filtermaterial, distributing halogens or halides within the filter material;i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the filtermaterial in the presence of the electric current; and j) adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein theapplying of antimicrobial conditions to water within the potable watersystem comprises method of generating reductive and/or oxidativechemical species in an aqueous fluid stream of the water within thepotable water system to disinfect and remove contamination comprising:f) providing a filter material comprising at least one a porous carbonsupport layer and a silicate/glass wool layer; g) passing an electriccurrent through the filter material; h) passing a fluid streamcontaining elemental halogens and/or halide salts through the filtermaterial, distributing halogens or halides within the filter material;i) directing a contaminated fluid mass into contact with the filtermaterial in the presence of the electric current; and j) adsorbingcontaminants from the fluid mass onto the filter material disinfectingor removing the contaminants.
 20. A system for mitigating microbebuildup within a water storage system and/or water transportation systemin potable water supply systems, the system including: a) the waterstorage system and/or water transportation system in the potable watersupply systems, b) a supervisory control and data acquisition system incommunication with the water stored and/or transported within thepotable water supply systems, the data acquisition system measuring atleast water conditions at multiple points within the potable watersupply system; c) the supervisory control system adjusting local waterconditions within the potable water supply system; d) a bacteria monitorassessing water within the potable water system to determine at leastlevels of bacteria within the potable water system; and e) anantimicrobial condition application zone wherein an antimicrobialcondition is applied to water within the potable water system.